Local police and speed watch volunteers are out this month supporting ICBC’s high risk driving campaign.
Mission RCMP and volunteers were monitoring traffic on Cedar Street, near Seventh Avenue, Wednesday morning.
“We were more of a visible presence,” said Mission RCMP Const. Alyn Beerda. “But people were still taking chances there.”
While he was there, he saw four drivers run red lights and people on the cell phones.
People are also taking chances making left hand turns at main intersections, said Beerda, who advised drivers to slow down and yield to oncoming traffic.
Police across the province are focussing on this, said ICBC road safety coordinator Don Miller, who described high risk driving behaviour as failing to yield, following too closely, ignoring traffic control devices, and improper passing.
“Slow down and be realistic about your travel time,” advised Miller. “Leave a safe following distance, so it gives you time to react.”
ICBC recommends leaving a car length for every 10 km you are travelling, said Miller.
“Failing to yield may also seem harmless, but it’s a high risk driving behaviour that leads to crashes every day.”
According to ICBC, an average of two people are killed and 490 are injured in 1,700 crashes throughout B.C. every year over the May long weekend.
Safe driving tips from ICBC:
• Think ahead. If you’re taking a road trip, check the weather and road conditions before heading out. Be realistic about your travel time and plan to rest every couple of hours to avoid fatigue.
• Get your vehicle ready. Give your vehicle a good check- up. Remember to check your oil, washer fluid, lights, and tire pressure.
• Watch for vulnerable road users. Motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians use the road more often when the weather is nice. Drivers should watch for them.
